avior of the believer. It affects how they act and react in respect to their beliefs. It engenders self-esteem and empowerment. All people want to feel good about themselves. We have an inner need to believe we are a part of something great and we are important. It orders existence. From the history of the beginning to how its all going to end, myth in religion sets things in a certain order. It provides reverence for the past; hope for the future. In order for something or someone to have substance, there has to be a beginning. Credibility is not given to "fly-by-night" operations. History gives this depth and a clear plan for the future completes the package. Myths have certain characteristics. Myths are symbolic, imaginative, like art. This lends itself to the drawing power of religion. It can be poetic, beautiful, and peaceful. Myths are revelatory; they reveal special truths. To be part of a revelation allows the believer to truly belong to a religion. When a person knows more, they accept more. Other characteristics are subject matter including primeval origins, ancestral models, herioc lives, ritual specialists (shamans or priests), and future expectations. Mythic performance as described by J.L. Austin, a modern philosopher, is -words that "do" rather than state or describe anything. It seems that J.L. Austins insight into mythic performance is much about first and the celebration of such. In celebrating an event at relatively the same time each year, it almost makes it seem to the celebrators that that day is present. Like wise Mircea Eliade deals with the essence of time in understanding myth. In letting oneself truly explore the beginning, we can relive these things and come to a deeper understanding.The Australian Aboriginal Religions concept of myth is within their belief system in "the Dreaming". In the Dreaming, Aboriginal truths are described such as the creation of all things, how to hunt, Basic la...
